Chapter Five #3
“Okay,” Caresha smiled, gazing up at him.
They made small talk as they waited for the food. And as Caresha expected, the females watched her with jealousy but didn’t dare approach again.
While talking, she studied everything about Danger’s appearance: how he wore his locks in a bun, how his clothes hugged his frame, and how his chocolate skin glistened under the lighting.
She couldn’t understand how jeans and a leather vest could look so damn good.
But she quickly learned it was the man wearing them.
Danger was a beautiful man, and the sight made her pulse quicken.
Once their food was announced ready, Danger went to use the restroom before they headed out. Caresha seized the moment to pull out her phone and shoot her girl a text.
Sis, listen here. I’ma kick your ass real good for meeting these niggas…if this fine muthafucka plays with me.
Her phone dinged a few seconds later, and she was surprised Nivéa wasn’t asleep yet.
Niv: Well, tread lightly. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, sis.
Chile, please. What you wouldn’t do? You did everything crazy. Letting that man break into your house and stay the night. I just know Mama was rolling over in her damn grave.
Niv: Hmph. Well…
Caresha waited a few seconds, still seeing the message bubbles on the screen, indicating Nivéa was still getting her thoughts out. Sure enough, her phone vibrated.
Niv: Hold up... That man is my husband now, trick. Soooo it worked out. Fuck you. Mama stable now. She’s good…you good. Enjoy!
Caresha rolled her eyes with a grin as she tucked her phone back into her purse. Everyone assumed that because she was the loudmouth, she was something else, but it was really Nivéa’s quiet ass who was hot in the twat.
Minutes later, Danger walked out of the restroom, and they headed out with their food and drinks.
As agreed, they settled into his car, eating and talking about whatever was on their minds.
Honestly, neither had much to say so early on; they were just unwinding, using each other as a stress reliever.
Caresha enjoyed the vibe, the company, and the food after a long day. With her best friend being a wife now, she lost the privilege of calling her at all hours or just popping up at her home late at night.
Danger, on the other hand, was mourning.
Plain and simple. He had nothing but pain in his eyes.
The pain was so potent that he stopped eating, placing his styrofoam plate on the dashboard.
He put his hands on the sides of his head, feeling like he was going crazy.
Even eating certain things fucked him up.
He wasn’t sure why he chose this spot…too many memories.
Lil Mo loved their chili cheese fries. He felt sick to his stomach.
“Tell me about him.” Caresha offered, taking it upon herself to rub his back for comfort. She was an empath.
“About who?” Danger asked, lifting his head in confusion.
“About your best friend. Talking about them helps. I know because I lost my father a year ago. Then Nivéa’s mother shortly after, who was like a second mom to me. It was a lot.”
“It ain’t a him. It’s a she. Mo.”
Caresha sucked in her breath, touching her chest in shock. “Oh my God, she’s dead?” she asked, her voice trembling.
She remembered Lil Mo from her visits to the shop and the little time they spent at the clubhouse the night of the back-to-school event. She was sweet once they got to know her.
“Yeah.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Niv didn’t tell me nothin’. I had no idea she died or that you two were even best friends. I mean, I know you’re all in the same club, but her being your best friend hits different.”
“Just goes to show how fast our people moved with each other. We don’t know shit about one another.” Danger smirked.
“I guess so, huh.” She reached over and rubbed his shoulder sympathetically. “Believe none of what you hear, and only what you feel. Muthafuckas be lying. The pain doesn’t get better with time. You just learn to live with it.”
“Real shit. I’m seeing that already.”
“We can sit here until you feel better.” She offered.
“Nah, you tired. It’s late. I should get you back to the crib since you done eating.”
“I’m not sleepy no more.”
“You sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“Lying ass. Look at you. Plus, you got work in the morning.”
Caresha laughed, rubbing her hooded eyes. “Nigga, if you don’t hush before I change my mind.”
“Aight, can’t have that.” Danger lifted his hands in surrender. “‘Cause I want you to stay. We gon’ ride for a while as soon as I’m done eating, aight?”
“Okay. What's your real name?”
“Hassan.”
“Okay Hassan…” she nodded her head in approval. “I love that.”
“Preciate you. I would tell you the same, but I’d be lying. Yo’ name ghetto as fuck.”
“You know what…see. Here you go. A bitch tryna be nice. But yeah, I’m ‘bout to leave yo’ ass sad and lonely.”
Danger chuckled as he began to feed himself again. They chilled some more, listening to music, and eventually, the pain passed, allowing him to breathe—move—again, if only temporarily.
Once he finished eating, Danger pulled off, and surprisingly, they rode until the sun came up. Caresha cursed him all day at work, struggling to keep her eyes open.